In a milestone moment for Indian shipbuilding, Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd (GRSE) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kongsberg of Norway to design and construct India’s first indigenously built Polar Research Vessel (PRV). The MoU was signed in Oslo in the presence of Union Minister for Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, who called it a step forward in scientific advancement and global cooperation.“This MoU reflects India’s commitment to innovation, sustainability and scientific excellence,” said Sonowal, adding that the PRV would support vital research in ocean ecosystems and climate change, while boosting ‘Make in India’ through advanced shipbuilding at GRSE’s Kolkata yard. The vessel will be equipped with state-of-the-art marine research technology and is expected to support the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCOPR) in its operations across the polar and southern ocean regions.GRSE, known for building complex platforms like warships and survey vessels, will construct the PRV using design inputs from Kongsberg. Both Indian and Norwegian officials, including senior leadership from GRSE and Kongsberg, attended the event. India Highlights MAHASAGAR Vision at Global Shipping Meet At the Ministerial Roundtable on 'The Role of Shipping in Shaping the Future', Minister Sonowal reiterated India’s expanded maritime vision: MAHASAGAR – Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security Across the Regions. This is an evolution of Prime Minister Modi’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) initiative. Sonowal underscored that India's strategy integrates environmental stewardship, disaster response, regional security, and sustainable development. He also detailed Sagarmala 2.0, aimed at addressing infrastructure gaps, promoting shipbuilding and repair, and establishing India as a global maritime leader, with sustainability and innovation as its backbone. Sonowal Courts Norwegian Maritime Investment In a separate roundtable with the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association (NSA), Minister Sonowal encouraged investment in India’s maritime sector, noting that Indian shipyards already hold 11 per cent of NSA’s global order book. He highlighted collaboration opportunities in green shipping corridors, ship recycling, and adoption of alternative fuels such as green hydrogen. With 87 per cent of Indian recycling yards now HKC compliant, and a skilled workforce ranking second in NSA’s global fleet, India is positioning itself as a cost-effective, sustainable hub. The Minister invited NSA members to capitalise on India’s Rs 240 billion ($2.9 billion) Maritime Development Fund and the flagship Sagarmala programme, which offer attractive incentives for investments in shipbuilding, ports, and maritime logistics. He also promoted India’s digital maritime platforms—ONOP and MAITRI—as part of a push towards a smart, future-ready shipping ecosystem. Sonowal’s Five-Day Nordic Visit Aims to Deepen Maritime Ties Minister Sonowal’s five-day visit to Norway and Denmark aims to deepen strategic partnerships with key maritime nations. As part of his visit, he became the first Indian Minister to pay homage at Minnehallen Memorial in Stavern, honouring 94 Indian sailors, including 86 who lost their lives serving aboard Norwegian ships during World War II. He stated, “It is an honour to pay tribute to the Indian seafarers whose bravery and sacrifice continue to inspire our maritime cooperation.” The sailors’ names, now engraved in copper at the memorial, are a testament to the enduring India–Norway maritime relationship.